Caitlin Jackson, a former student of Great Torrington Secondary School, started working for Edukid in 2018, studying alongside her work as an apprentice in Business Administration.
In 2020 Caitlin finished her apprenticeship. Inspired by her time in Edukid’s international projects, Caitlin made the decision to take her education to the next level. She is now studying a degree in sociology and international development with aspirations to use her knowledge and experience to work in the charity sector.
Here, Caitlin reflects back on her journey with Edukid…
“I first knew about Edukid through assemblies at school. GTS supported children in Uganda to go to school and so a couple of times a year we would have Chris Turner visit us. He would deliver workshops and assemblies that taught us about the issues surrounding poverty and Uganda. Edukid grew to be part of our school culture, and every year a teacher and some students would visit Uganda and bring back stories, this was amazing as we could see the impact our schools fundraising was having.
In the summer of 2017 I decided I wanted to go on a trip to Uganda myself. We met the children that GTS supported to go to school. Whilst I was in Uganda it was difficult for me to come face to face with the difficulties families must deal with daily, however, the trip changed my outlook on life and it made me realise that I wanted to help to make a difference to other people’s lives.
After returning from Uganda I continued to volunteer for Edukid until one day when I was offered the opportunity of an apprenticeship.
Over my time with with Edukid I have managed the database, organised fundraising events, managed sponsor communications and helped to lead trips. Visiting the international projects has always been the best part of the job. In late 2018 I co-led a trip to Cambodia for the first time and was able to build beautiful friendships with some of the community there.
Bonnie, a student who had been supported by Edukid through her education and had just qualified as a doctor, became a particularly good friend of mine. She had set up a medical center in the slum that she grew up in and provided health care to a community that before lacked any medical support.
In 2019, Bonnie invited me to be a bridesmaid at her wedding, and so I traveled over to Cambodia to be a part of her special day! The ceremony is something I will never forget, and I am so grateful to have been able to go.
My time with Edukid has been a huge journey of personal development, learning, and inspiration. I completed by apprenticeship with a distinction in 2020 and I am now studying a degree in sociology which I hope will lead me into the next chapter of my career in international development.”